Caithness Chamber of Commerce says ‘deeply disappointing’ Sutherland Spaceport move is a ‘significant blow’
The news that Sutherland Spaceport is to be mothballed is a significant blow to the business community in north Sutherland and Caithness.
Orbex has been constructing the spaceport while developing its Prime rocket from its base in Forres.
But on Wednesday morning it made the shock announcement that it would be halting construction work on the site at A’Mhoine, near Tongue.
The project has received a £14.6 million public investment package, with funds coming from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the UK Space Agency and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
The space company, which was to have made the Sutherland Spaceport its home port, will now launch its rockets carrying commercial satellites from SaxaVord on Unst, Shetland.
Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, which has backed the project, said the U-turn came totally out of the blue.
“This news is both deeply disappointing and entirely unexpected, particularly following last week’s announcements regarding Phases 3 and 4 of construction at Sutherland Spaceport and the forthcoming tender opportunities for associated work packages,” she said.
“Stakeholders, including the local community in Melness and the surrounding area, have invested substantial time, energy, and resources into this project, which was expected to bring much-needed skilled employment opportunities and investment to the region.
“I am certain this will come as a significant blow to many.
“Given the considerable investment already made, I sincerely hope the site can be utilised by another launch operator, to realise its potential and deliver the benefits promised to the local community. This is something we will be advocating for with our public sector partners.”
Orbex chief executive Phil Chambers said the decision had not been “taken lightly”, and added that the company was “incredibly grateful to the Sutherland community for being so supportive of our initial plans to build our first spaceport there”.
Far north MP Jamie Stone said it was incredibly disappointing for communities along the north coast, and hopes to help find an alternative company to use the site, which Orbex plans to retain for possible future use.
